Pryor High School junior Chelsea Cooper had quite the surprise last Thursday when she was awarded a $2,400 grant from the Mayes County Grace Foundation.
The grant will support Cooper’s vision to establish comfort closets in schools across Mayes County, providing students with access to essential items in a welcoming and discreet space. Her project is modeled after the Tiger Boutique, known as the Comfort Closet," housed in the library at Pryor High School.
Foundation representatives shared their confidence in Cooper’s leadership, noting that she “will do great and wonderful things for Mayes County schools by implementing the Comfort Closet program” and describing her as “an outstanding student with a bright future.”
According to the foundation, more than 300 students in Mayes County experience homelessness, making access to basic necessities a critical need. Comfort Closets help address those needs by providing clothing, personal and physical hygiene items, and food for students who may need something extra after school.
Pryor High School has operated the Tiger Boutique for the past three years. Cooper has played an active role in organizing and maintaining the space, gaining firsthand experience in how the program supports students and removes barriers to learning.
Grace Foundation board members Nena Roberts, Marshel Morrison, and Tami Rowland presented Cooper with the award. PHS Principal Valerie Hiett joined them to celebrate the occasion and recognize Cooper’s leadership and commitment to serving students in need.
With the grant funding, Cooper hopes to expand that same sense of dignity and care to students beyond Pryor High School, ensuring more schools can offer support that promotes student well-being and success.
The Mayes County Grace Foundation’s mission focuses on educating communities about homelessness and funding programs that provide accountable, responsible support. Cooper’s initiative reflects that mission through student leadership and service that meets real needs.